System for providing a combined fireplace and waterfall

ABSTRACT

A system for providing a combined fireplace and waterfall is disclosed. The system includes a housing configured for storing water. The housing has a front side, wherein a portion of the front side is open. A platform within the housing is configured for receiving a fireplace module on top the platform, the fireplace module being configured for producing a flame that is visible from the front. A horizontally aligned tube is coupled proximate to the front side of the housing, wherein the horizontally aligned tube includes at least one opening for dispersing water. A vertically aligned transparent pane is coupled proximate to the front side of the housing, wherein said transparent pane is configured such that water dispensed from the horizontally aligned tube flows down a front side of the pane. A pump configured to move water through tubing from a lower end of housing to the horizontally aligned tube.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application claims benefit of the filing date of U.S.Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/206,338 filed Aug. 18, 2015 and thesubject matter of which is incorporated herein by reference.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC

Not Applicable.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to the field of fire and water systems,and more specifically to the field of combining fireplaces andwaterfalls.

BACKGROUND

Fire has been an integral component for mankind since virtually thebeginning of time. Humans have used fire for cooking, heating, creating,destroying and transforming numerous objects. Fire and the constantmovement associated with it also has a soothing effect. Currently, manyhouseholds use indoor heaters in the form of fireplaces. Thesefireplaces can be fueled by wood, biofuel, gas, electric power and othertypes of fuel sources. In many cases, fireplaces are located in acentral part of a home or household where people entertain each other,gather to relax and interact with each other.

In many cases, such fireplaces or heaters only are used during coldtimes of the year when the indoor temperatures require heat to raisetemperatures to increase comfort. However, during the warmer months ofthe year the fireplaces are not used and remain idle. People havecreated useful ways to use that idle space. In some cases, people haveinserted decorative objects to fill the empty space of an unused fireplace.

In other cases, people have added decorative waterfalls or fountains inthe fire place. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,092,312 to Zolow disclosesa water-fountain that surrounds a platform for holding a gas burner.However, U.S. Pat. No. 5,092,312 fails to disclose structure andplumbing suitable for providing a waterfall. By way of another example,U.S. Publication no. 2003/0041855 to Grady et al. discloses a waterfalland heating unit. However, U.S. Publication no. 2003/0041855 is notconfigured to be located flush against a wall, and fails to disclose anenclosure that prevents water from exiting out of the enclosure or thatmaintains water inside the enclosure. By way of another example, U.S.Publication no. 2003/0084897 to Coughlin, discloses a waterfall and gasburning fireplace combination. However, U.S. Publication no.2003/0084897 fails to disclose an enclosure that prevents water fromexiting out of the enclosure or that maintains water inside theenclosure. By way of another example, U.S. Pat. No. 2004/0251780 toFrink et al. discloses a patio heater sculpture. However, Frink fails todisclose structure suitable for indoors or an enclosure that can becombined with a variety of heating units.

As a result, there exists a need for improvements over the prior art andmore particularly a safer, more practical way of providing a waterfalland fireplace combination.

SUMMARY

A system for providing a combined fireplace and waterfall is disclosed.This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of disclosed conceptsin a simplified form that are further described below in the DetailedDescription including the drawings provided. This Summary is notintended to identify key features or essential features of the claimedsubject matter. Nor is this Summary intended to be used to limit theclaimed subject matter's scope.

In one embodiment, a system for providing a combined fireplace andwaterfall is disclosed. The system includes a housing configured forstoring water. The housing has a front side, wherein a portion of thefront side is open. A platform within the housing is configured forreceiving a fireplace module on top the platform, the fireplace moduleis configured for producing a flame that is visible from the front. Ahorizontally aligned tube is coupled proximate to the front side of thehousing, wherein the horizontally aligned tube includes at least oneopening for dispersing water. A vertically aligned transparent pane iscoupled proximate to the front side of the housing, wherein saidtransparent pane is configured such that water dispensed from thehorizontally aligned tube flows down a front side of the pane. A pumpconfigured to move water through tubing from a lower end of housing tothe horizontally aligned tube.

Additional aspects of the disclosed embodiment will be set forth in partin the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from thedescription, or may be learned by practice of the disclosed embodiments.The aspects of the disclosed embodiments will be realized and attainedby means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out inthe appended claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoinggeneral description and the following detailed description are exemplaryand explanatory only and are not restrictive of the disclosedembodiments, as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute partof this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention andtogether with the description, serve to explain the principles of thedisclosed embodiments. The embodiments illustrated herein are presentlypreferred, it being understood, however, that the invention is notlimited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown,wherein:

FIG. 1A is a prospective view of a system for providing a combinedfireplace and waterfall, according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 1B is a front view of the system for providing a combined fireplaceand waterfall, according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 1C is a front view of the system for providing a combined fireplaceand waterfall, according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 2A is a partially exploded prospective view of the system forproviding a combined fireplace and waterfall, wherein an examplefireplace module is removed from the system, according to an exampleembodiment;

FIG. 2B is a prospective view of the system for providing a combinedfireplace and waterfall, wherein the example fireplace module is withinthe system and wherein components inside the system are illustrated,according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 3A is a prospective view of the system for providing a combinedfireplace and waterfall, wherein a portion of platform of the system hasbeen cutout to reveal components below the platform, according to anexample embodiment;

FIG. 3B is a prospective view of the system for providing a combinedfireplace and waterfall, wherein a portion of the fireplace module andhousing have been removed along line A of FIG. 3A to reveal tubing ofthe system, according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 4A is a prospective view of the system for providing a combinedfireplace and waterfall further illustrating a diffuser and lightemitting components of the system, according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 4B is an enlarged prospective view of a portion of the systemencircled by curved line A of FIG. 4A, wherein a transparent pane of thesystem is removed. FIG. 4B illustrates the diffuser and light emittingelement of the system, according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 4C is a top view of a portion of the system illustrating a pane,lighting emitting element, diffuser and platform, according to anexample embodiment;

FIG. 5A is a front view of the system for providing a combined fireplaceand waterfall further positioned inside a body, wherein the bodyrepresents a wall, according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 5B is a prospective view of the system for providing a combinedfireplace and waterfall further positioned inside a body, wherein thebody represents a wall, according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating the main electrical components ofthe system for providing a combined fireplace and waterfall, accordingto one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7A is an illustration of a prospective view of the system forproviding a combined fireplace and waterfall wirelessly communicatingwith a remote computing device, according to one embodiment of thepresent invention; and,

FIG. 7B is a block diagram of a computing device for use with the devicefor carrying eyewear, according to an example embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings.Whenever possible, the same reference numbers are used in the drawingsand the following description to refer to the same or similar elements.While disclosed embodiments may be described, modifications,adaptations, and other implementations are possible. For example,substitutions, additions or modifications may be made to the elementsillustrated in the drawings, and the methods described herein may bemodified by substituting reordering, or adding additional stages orcomponents to the disclosed methods and devices. Accordingly, thefollowing detailed description does not limit the disclosed embodiments.Instead, the proper scope of the disclosed embodiments is defined by theappended claims.

The disclosed embodiments improve upon the problems with the prior artby providing a system that can be easily configured to receive aplurality of different types of fireplaces to be integrated with a waterfall. The disclosed embodiments provide a vertical pane that allows forwater to fall flow down and assists in preventing water frominadvertently exiting the system. Additionally, the system can include aplurality of different lighting arrangements to disperse light onto thewater fall. The disclosed embodiments may also include a remotecomputing device or a remote control to control the lighting used withinthe water fall, the flow of water, the amount of heat produced by thefire place and the height of the flame produced by the fire place. Thedisclosed embodiments also provide an enclosure that prevents water fromexiting out of the enclosure or that maintains water inside theenclosure so as to prevent injury or interference with the fire placeand the water inside of the enclosure.

Referring now to the Figures, FIG. 1A-1C are prospective, top and frontviews, respectively, of a system 100 for providing a combined fireplaceand waterfall. The system includes a housing 105 configured for storingwater. The housing may be formed from planar panels of rigid materialsuch as brick, porcelain, ceramics, carbon steel, low and high alloysteel, stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, polyethylene, polyvinylchloride (PVC), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) copolymers,concrete, fiber-reinforced polymers, or any combination thereofAdditionally, other materials having rigid properties can be used andare within the spirit and scope of the present invention. The rigidmaterials may comprise material that is non-combustible and safely usedfor the intended purpose when exposed to heat.

The housing is such that a reservoir 109 on the bottom end 111 isdefined such that water can be stored in the reservoir. In the presentembodiment, the housing is a generally rectangular shaped housing,having a front side 121, a rear side 122 and two shorter sides 124 and126. A portion of the front side is open. The open portion of thehousing allows for a person to view the fire, waterfall or water andlight emitting components of the module when the module is fullyassembled.

A platform 115 is positioned above the reservoir within the housing andis configured for receiving a fireplace module (illustrated s 205 inFIG. 2A) on top of the platform. The platform is a substantiallyrectangular planar shaped body configured to attach to inside surfacesof the hosing. Similar to the components of the housing the platform maybe formed from rigid material such as brick, porcelain, ceramics, carbonsteel, low and high alloy steel, stainless steel, aluminum, titanium,polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene(ABS) copolymers, concrete, fiber-reinforced polymers, or anycombination thereof Additionally, other materials having rigidproperties can be used and are within the spirit and scope of thepresent invention. The rigid materials may comprise material that isnon-combustible and safely used for the intended when exposed to heat.The platform can be attached to the inside surfaces of the housing usingfasteners such as include nails, screws, bolts, rivets, permanent andreleasable adhesives, slidingly engaging fasteners, clamps, crimps,solder, cement, and many other examples.

The fireplace module 205 is configured for producing a flame that isvisible from the front side of the fireplace module. It is understoodthat the housing and the platform can be designed to receive andsurround the fireplace module. In one embodiment, the fireplace moduleis a self-contained fireplace. The fireplace module may be electric,gas, wood burning etc. The fireplace module may include a vent proximateto the upper end of the fireplace module for allowing heat and smokeemitted from the fireplace.

A vent covered by a grill 130 may be coupled to a cutout presented onthe top side of the housing 105. In one embodiment, the vent comprises acutout on the panel of housing on the top end 112 of the housing. Thecutout is configured to form a duct or passage such that any heat orsmoke produced from inside the housing can flow to outside of thehousing. Additionally, in other embodiments, a cutout on the housing isconfigured to attach to an air duct having a first end and a second end.The first end of the air duct connects to the cutout and the second endof the air duct is configured to mate with a heater vent of a fireplacemodule such that any heat produced from the fireplace module can flow tooutside the system. The duct may comprise a traditional thin steel duct(the most widely used in galvanized steel), aluminum duct, another newtype of inorganic fiberglass duct, aluminum foil composite fiberglassduct, aluminum foil polyurethane air duct, aluminum foil Phenolic foamair duct and so on. Additionally, other ducts can be used and are withinthe spirit and scope of the present invention.

A horizontally aligned tube 120 is coupled proximate to the front sideof the housing. In the present embodiment, the horizontally aligned tubeis configured to couple via a friction fit channel 131 along the panelof the front side of the housing. In other embodiments, the horizontallyaligned tube may be fastened using a fastener such as a u-shaped staple,strap, tie, rivets, permanent and releasable adhesives, slidinglyengaging fasteners, clamps, crimps, solder, cement, etc. The tube may beformed from both flexible or rigid materials such as polymers such asrigid PVC, acrylic, butyrate, polycarbonate, Polyurethane, Nylon, PVC(Vinyl) and Polyethylene, carbon steel, low and high alloy steel,stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride(PVC), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) copolymers, concrete,fiber-reinforced polymers, or any combination. Additionally, othermaterials having rigid or flexible properties can be used and are withinthe spirit and scope of the present invention.

The horizontally aligned tube comprises at least one opening(illustrated as 210 in FIGS. 2B, 4A and 4B) for dispensing water. Thedimensions of the opening or apertures can have varied such that flow ofwater can be varied. Each opening is configured to diffuse or dispensethe water or fluid throughout the entire body of the tube.

A vertically aligned transparent pane 110 is coupled proximate to thefront side of the fireplace module. The transparent pane is configuredsuch that water dispensed from the horizontally aligned tube flows downa front side of the pane. The pane may comprise glass, or polymericbased material having heat resistant properties. Additionally, othermaterials having transparent or translucent and heat resistantproperties can be used and are within the spirit and scope of thepresent invention. The transparent feature of the pane is configured sothat the fire element emitted by the fireplace module can be seen frombehind the water element or water element. The pane 110 is configuredsuch that the water dispensed from the horizontal tube falls down thepane. In the present embodiment, the horizontally aligned tube isfrontward or in front of the pane. In some embodiments, the pane may besomewhat angled either frontward or rearward.

FIG. 2A and 2B will be discussed together. FIG. 2A is a partiallyexploded prospective view of the system 100 for providing a combinedfireplace and waterfall, wherein an example fireplace module 205 isremoved from the system. FIG. 2A illustrates the platform within thesystem. In operation, the fireplace module can be inserted from the rearside of the system. The housing has an opening on the rear side of thehousing that is configured for allowing the fireplace module to beinserted from the rear side of the housing. In other embodiments, thefireplace module may be configured such that it can be also inserted andremoved from the front side of the housing, which may allow for easierremoval and insertion for cleaning, repair, maintenance, removal andinstallation purposes. Additionally, the front side panel may alsoinclude portions 240 adjacent to the opening on the front side of thehousing. The portions adjacent to the opening on the front side of thepanel can be configured for receiving decorative features. Thedecorative features may include carvings, surface decorations,paintings, surface shading, etc. Additionally, other types of decorativefeatures can be used and are within the spirit and scope of the presentinvention.

In FIG. 2B, the example fireplace module is placed on top of theplatform. The components inside the system are illustrated using brokenlines within the system. FIG. 2B further illustrates the reservoir 109on the lower end of the housing configured for receiving water. FIG. 2Billustrates the fireplace module received on top of the platform 115.

FIG. 3A and 3B will generally discussed together. FIG. 3A is aprospective view of the system for providing a combined fireplace andwaterfall. In FIG. 3A a portion of platform of the system has beencutout to reveal components below the platform. In one embodiment, thehousing may include a lip or ledge 316 along the inside surfaces of thehousing that is configured for providing a means for the platform to befastened within the housing. The bottom panel 311 of the housing is alsoillustrated. In one embodiment, the bottom panel may be sloped or angledtowards the pump 315. The slop may facilitate moving water that has beenemitted from the diffuser into the reservoir towards the pump such thatthe pump may receive additional fluid or water for pumping throughoutthe system.

The pump may be configured to move water through a plurality of tubes.In one embodiment, the pump is configured for pumping water from thereservoir through the vertically aligned tubes 119, 305 via horizontallyaligned tubes 310, 306 located within the reservoir so that the watercan be dispersed through the horizontally aligned tube 120. Having twovertically aligned tubes feeding fluid into both ends of thehorizontally aligned tube allows for water to flow into the horizontallyaligned tube at both ends and provides for a more even distribution ofwater down the transparent pane 110, which can be more visuallyappealing. In other embodiments, the pump water may be configuredthrough only one vertical tube. The pump is configured to beconductively coupled and powered by an external power source, such as bysolar energy, electrical power grid, battery, rechargeable battery, windpower, etc. However, other power sources may be used and are within thespirit and scope of the present invention.

FIG. 3B is a prospective view of the system for providing a combinedfireplace and waterfall. In FIG. 3B, a portion of the fireplace moduleand housing have been removed along line A of FIG. 3A to revealcomponents within system and below the platform. FIG. 3B alsoillustrates the fireplace module 205 positioned on top of the platform.FIG. 3B also illustrates a grill 130 covering the 330 cutout in thehousing. In the present embodiment, the cutout is a rectangular shapedcutout and the grill is adapted to cover the cutout out. As mentionedabove, the cutout defines an air vent or duct that is configured toallow any smoke or heat emitted from the fireplace module to flow frominside the housing to outside the housing.

FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C will be discussed together. FIG. 4A is a lower endprospective view of the system for providing a combined fireplace andwaterfall. FIG. 4A illustrates the horizontally aligned tube 120 andlight emitting components 420 of the system. FIG. 4B is an enlargedprospective view of a portion of the system encircled by curved line Aof FIG. 4A. FIG. 4B has the transparent pane 110 of the system removedfor illustration purposes. FIG. 4A illustrates that in the presentembodiment the transparent pane is positioned between the light emittingcomponents and the horizontal tube. The transparent pane may be affixedwithin elongated slots or channels 430 within the surfaces of thehousing thereby fastening the transparent pane via a friction fit. Inone embodiment, the transparent pane may be removably affixed to thesystem and in other embodiments the pane may be permanently coupledproximate to the front end of the system. FIG. 4B illustrates thediffuser and light emitting element of the system, according to anexample embodiment. As mentioned above, the horizontally aligned tubemay comprise at least one opening 210 configured for allowing water toemit water and allow water to flow or fall down the pane. In the presentembodiment the openings are proximate to the pane so that the waterflows down the glass and creates a soothing atmosphere. In otherembodiments, the system, instead of the horizontally aligned tube, thesystem may use a gutter. In other embodiments, other fluid dispensingmechanisms may be used such as a sprayer etc. The horizontally alignedtubular shaped element may also comprise a slight pitch or slope so thatfluid may move from one end of the tube to the other end of the tube.

The system may also include at least one light emitting object or bulbconfigured to emit light. In the present embodiment, the light emittingelement comprises a light emitting diode (LED) strip 410 within ahousing 415. However, other light emitting elements may be used and arewithin the spirit and scope of the present invention such as fluorescentbulbs, incandescent bulbs, power-saving bulbs, glass bulbs, UV lightbulbs etc. The light emitting element may be configured to beconductively coupled and powered by an external power source, such as bysolar cell, electrical power grid, battery, rechargeable battery, windpower, etc. However, other power sources may be used and are within thespirit and scope of the present invention.

FIG. 4C is a top view of a portion of the system illustrating a pane,lighting emitting element, diffuser and platform. FIG. 4C illustratesthat the panels of the housing 105 can form an internal cross sectionaldiameter defining the reservoir 109. In the present embodiment, thelength transparent pane 110 has an external cross sectional diameterthat is less than an internal cross sectional diameter of the length ofthe housing. Because the external cross-sectional diameter of the pane110 is less than the internal cross sectional diameter of the housing,water inside the reservoir water can flow past the pane to the pump.

FIG. 5A and 5B are front and prospective views, respectively, of thesystem for providing a combined fireplace and waterfall furtherpositioned inside a body 505. In one limiting embodiment, the body canbe an existing fixed fireplace. The body of existing fixed fireplace maycomprise an opening 510 that is configured for receiving firewood. Theexisting opening can be used to receive the system 100. In operation, auser may insert the system (including the modular fireplace) into theopening. In other embodiments, the housing 105 and other components ofthe system may comprise fire-safe material so that the firewood cansafely be inserted on top of the platform. In operation a user may usethe external power source in order to provide power to the pump and/orlight emitting element. In operation, a user may control the deviceusing a remote controller or remote computing device (see FIG. 6) thatis configured to be communicatively coupled to a processer orcontrolling device (see FIG. 7A and 7B).

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating the main electrical components ofthe system for providing a combined fireplace and waterfall, accordingto one embodiment of the present invention. The power source 640 isconfigured to be conductively coupled to the control unit 630 and thepump 610 and the light emitting element. 620.

The remote controlling device may be used to control the light emittingelement and/or pump in order to adjust the operation of the lightemitting element and the operation of the pump. For example, the remotecontrolling device can be used to: turn on/off the pump and water flow;increase or decrease the water flow; turn on/off the light emittingelement; change the color of the light emitted by the lighting element,etc.

In one embodiment, the system may also include a communication device701 for communicating with a remote computing device 702 (illustrated inFIG. 7A). The communication device may be configured for sending andreceiving signals to the remote computing device or remote controllerand the control unit 630, which includes a processor. The signal isconfigured to include data that includes pump data, light emittingelement data and other data regarding the system. The remote computingdevice may include a mobile telephone, cellular telephone or smart phoneor tablet that is in wireless communication with the system.

FIG. 7A is a block diagram of an example computing device or processor700 and other computing devices, such as those in the remote computingdevice and the processor and control unit used in the system. Consistentwith the embodiments described herein, the aforementioned actionsperformed by processor 610 may be implemented in a computing device,such as the computing device 700 of FIG. 7B. Any suitable combination ofhardware, software, or firmware may be used to implement the computingdevice 700. The aforementioned system, device, and processors areexamples and other systems, devices, and processors may comprise theaforementioned computing device.

With reference to FIG. 7B, a system consistent with an embodiment of theinvention may include a plurality of computing devices, such ascomputing device 700. In a basic configuration, computing device 700 mayinclude at least one processing unit 702 and a system memory 704.Depending on the configuration and type of computing device, systemmemory 704 may comprise, but is not limited to, volatile (e.g. randomaccess memory (RAM)), non-volatile (e.g. read-only memory (ROM)), flashmemory, or any combination or memory. System memory 704 may includeoperating system 705, one or more programming modules 706 (such asprogram module 707). Operating system 705, for example, may be suitablefor controlling computing device operation. In one embodiment,programming modules 706 may include, for example, a program module 707.Furthermore, embodiments of the invention may be practiced inconjunction with a graphics library, other operating systems, or anyother application program and is not limited to any particularapplication or system. This basic configuration is illustrated in FIG.7B by those components within a dashed line 720.

Computing device 700 may have additional features or functionality. Forexample, computing device 700 may also include additional data storagedevices (removable and/or non-removable) such as, for example, magneticdisks, optical disks, or tape. Such additional storage is illustrated inFIG. 7B by a removable storage 709 and a non-removable storage 710.Computer storage media may include volatile and nonvolatile, removableand non-removable media implemented in any method or technology forstorage of information, such as computer readable instructions, datastructures, program modules, or other data. System memory 704, removablestorage 709, and non-removable storage 710 are all computer storagemedia examples (i.e. memory storage.) Computer storage media mayinclude, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, electrically erasableread-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or other memory technology,CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical storage, magneticcassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magneticstorage devices, or any other medium which can be used to storeinformation and which can be accessed by computing device 700. Any suchcomputer storage media may be part of device 700. Computing device 700may also have input device(s) 712 such as a keyboard, a mouse, a pen, asound input device, a camera, a touch input device, etc. Outputdevice(s) 714 such as a display, speakers, a printer, etc. may also beincluded. The aforementioned devices are only examples, and otherdevices may be added or substituted.

Computing device 700 may also contain a communication connection 716that may allow device 700 to communicate with other computing devices718, such as over a network in a distributed computing environment, forexample, an intranet or the Internet or wirelessly with devices 630 and635. Communication connection 716 is one example of communication media.Communication media may typically be embodied by computer readableinstructions, data structures, program modules, or other data in amodulated data signal, such as a carrier wave or other transportmechanism, and includes any information delivery media. The term“modulated data signal” may describe a signal that has one or morecharacteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encode informationin the signal. By way of example, and not limitation, communicationmedia may include wired media such as a wired network or direct-wiredconnection, and wireless media such as acoustic, radio frequency (RF),wireless communication includes wireless Bluetooth® technology, WIFI,infrared, and other wireless media. The term computer readable media asused herein may include both computer storage media and communicationmedia.

As stated above, a number of program modules and data files may bestored in system memory 704, including operating system 705. Whileexecuting on processing unit 702, programming modules 706 may performprocesses including performing sound processing functions such as signalprocessing, digital processing, etc. Computing device 702 may alsoinclude a graphics processing unit 703, which supplements the processingcapabilities of processor 702 and which may execute programming modules706, including all or a portion of those processes identified or alludedto above. The aforementioned processes are examples, and processingunits 702, 703 may perform other processes. Other programming modulesthat may be used in accordance with embodiments of the present inventionmay include electronic mail and contacts applications, word processingapplications, spreadsheet applications, database applications, slidepresentation applications, drawing or computer-aided applicationprograms, etc.

Generally, consistent with embodiments of the invention, program modulesmay include routines, programs, components, data structures, and othertypes of structures that may perform particular tasks or that mayimplement particular abstract data types. Moreover, embodiments of theinvention may be practiced with other computer system configurations,including hand-held devices, multiprocessor systems,microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics,minicomputers, mainframe computers, and the like. Embodiments of theinvention may also be practiced in distributed computing environmentswhere tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linkedthrough a communications network. In a distributed computingenvironment, program modules may be located in both local and remotememory storage devices.

Furthermore, embodiments of the invention may be practiced in anelectrical circuit comprising discrete electronic elements, packaged orintegrated electronic chips containing logic gates, a circuit utilizinga microprocessor, or on a single chip (such as a System on Chip)containing electronic elements or microprocessors. Embodiments of theinvention may also be practiced using other technologies capable ofperforming logical operations such as, for example, AND, OR, and NOT,including but not limited to mechanical, optical, fluidic, and quantumtechnologies. In addition, embodiments of the invention may be practicedwithin a general purpose computer or in any other circuits or systems.

Embodiments of the present invention, for example, are described abovewith reference to block diagrams and/or operational illustrations ofmethods, systems, and computer program products according to embodimentsof the invention. The functions/acts noted in the blocks may occur outof the order as shown in any flowchart. For example, two blocks shown insuccession may in fact be executed substantially concurrently or theblocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending uponthe functionality/acts involved.

While certain embodiments of the invention have been described, otherembodiments may exist. Furthermore, although embodiments of the presentinvention have been described as being associated with data stored inmemory and other storage mediums, data can also be stored on or readfrom other types of computer-readable media, such as secondary storagedevices, like hard disks, floppy disks, thumb drives, or a CD-ROM, orother forms of RAM or ROM. Further, the disclosed methods' stages may bemodified in any manner, including by reordering stages and/or insertingor deleting stages, without departing from the invention.

Although the subject matter has been described in language specific tostructural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understoodthat the subject matter defined in the appended claims is notnecessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above.Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed asexample forms of implementing the claims.

We claim:
 1. A system for providing a combined fireplace and waterfallcomprising: a housing configured for storing water, the housing having afront side and wherein a portion of the front side is open; a platformwithin the housing configured for receiving a fireplace module on top ofthe platform, wherein the fireplace module is configured for producing aflame that is visible from the front side of the fireplace module; ahorizontally aligned tube coupled proximate to the front side of thehousing, and wherein the horizontally aligned tube comprises at leastone opening for dispersing water; a vertically aligned transparent panecoupled proximate to the front side of the housing, wherein saidtransparent pane is configured such that water dispensed from thehorizontally aligned tube flows down a front side of the pane; and, apump configured to move water through tubing from a lower end of housingto the horizontally aligned tube.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein thesystem further comprises an electric fireplace module configured to siton top of the platform within the housing.
 3. The system of claim 1,wherein the system further comprises at least one light emitting elementaffixed to at least one side of said pane.
 4. The system of claim 1,wherein the system further comprises an air duct configured such thatany heat produced from inside the housing can flow to outside thehousing.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the housing defines asubstantially rectangular shaped housing.
 6. The system of claim 1,wherein said horizontally aligned tube comprises a diffuser comprising aplurality of holes for dispensing water.
 7. The system of claim 1,wherein a bottom panel of the housing defines a slope, wherein the slopeis configured to direct water towards the pump.
 8. The system of claim1, wherein the pump is configured to be powered by an external powersource.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one lightemitting element is configured to be powered by an external powersource.
 10. The system of claim 9, wherein the at least one lightemitting element defines an LED light strip.
 11. A system for providinga combined fireplace and waterfall comprising: a substantiallyrectangular shaped housing configured for storing water, the housinghaving a front side, wherein a central portion of the front side is openand wherein a surrounding portion of the front side is configured forreceiving ornamental designs; a platform within the housing configuredfor receiving a fireplace module on top of the platform, wherein thefireplace module is configured for producing a flame that is visiblefrom a front side of the fireplace module; an electric fireplace moduleconfigured to sit on top of the platform within the housing; ahorizontally aligned diffuser coupled proximate to the front side of thehousing, and wherein the horizontally aligned diffuser is configured fordispersing water; a vertically aligned transparent pane coupledproximate to the front side of the housing, wherein said transparentpane is configured such that water dispensed from the horizontallyaligned tube flows down a front side of the pane; an LED light stripaffixed to at least one side of said pane, wherein the LED strip isconfigured for emitting light and connected to an external power source;a pump configured to move water through tubing from a lower end ofhousing to the horizontally aligned diffuser; wherein the housingfurther comprises a cutout configured to attach to an air duct; anairduct having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end ofthe air duct connects to the cutout and the second end of the air ductis configured to mate with a heater vent of a fireplace module such thatany heat produced from the fireplace module can flow to outside thesystem; and, wherein the pump and LED light strip and pump isconductively coupled to and configured to be powered by an externalpower source.
 12. The system of claim 11, wherein a bottom panel of thehousing defines a slope, wherein the slope is configured to direct watertowards the pump.
 13. The system of claim 12, wherein the transparentpane comprises glass.
 14. The system of claim of 13, wherein an externalcross sectional diameter of the transparent pane is less than aninternal cross sectional diameter of the housing such that water canflow past the pane to the pump.
 15. The system of claim 14, wherein saidair duct has flexible properties so that the second end of the conduitis adaptable to connect with a plurality of locations of the heatervents of a plurality of fireplace modules.
 16. A system for providing acombined fireplace and waterfall comprising: a housing configured forstoring water, the housing having a front side and wherein a centralportion of the front side is open; a platform within the housingconfigured for receiving a fireplace module on top of the platform,wherein the fireplace module is configured for producing a flame that isvisible from the front side of the fireplace module; a horizontallyaligned tube coupled proximate to the front side of the housing, andwherein the horizontally aligned tube comprises at least one opening fordispersing water; and, a pump configured to move water through tubingfrom a lower end of housing to the horizontally aligned tube.
 17. Thesystem of claim 16, wherein a bottom panel of the housing defines aslope, wherein the slope is configured to direct water towards the pump.18. The system of claim 17, wherein the system further comprises an airduct having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of theair duct is configured to couple to a cutout presented on the housing,and wherein the air duct comprises flexible properties so that thesecond end of the air duct is connectable with a plurality of locationsof heater vents of a plurality of different types of fireplace modules.19. The system of claim 16, wherein the pump is configured to be poweredby an external power source.
 20. The system of claim 16, wherein thesystem includes an LED light strip configured to be powered by anexternal power source.